Angel City Football Club

Artists in Residence

Artists in Residence showcases the work of four photographers through a partnership program with Angel City Football Club. Angel City FC’s community-focused sponsorship model invests directly with local initiatives like Las Fotos Project to elevate youth voices through transformative opportunities. These images capture the energy of La Fortaleza—the heartbeat of the club led by its 6 supporter groups and their vibrant community. With access to mentorship, training, and on-the-job experience, our youth are empowered to document history in real time, demonstrating what is possible when girls and gender expansive youth of color are centered as visual storytellers and changemakers.

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS
Astrid Sanchez
Leslie Rosales
Riley Sotomayor
Starla Mendoza

MENTORS
Carolyn Cardoza
Christina Russo

This exhibition is sponsored by Angel City Football Club & NYX Professional Makeup.

Photo printing for this exhibition sponsored by Epilogue Inc.

Astrid Sanchez, age 20

About Me:
Astrid Sanchez is a non-binary photographer from Los Angeles, developing a focus on environmental portraiture. Challenging their own fears of being seen in the world, they use photography to connect with a subject’s identity and create images of others who feel vulnerable. Focusing on experimental styles, Astrid strives to tell compelling stories to explore who they are as an artist and give a voice to others.

Somos Angel City

PROJECT REFLECTION
My experience at Angel City FC was truly surreal as hearing the crowd’s cheers and chants made me feel a sense of pride and hope. Seeing young girls getting excited to see a woman’s soccer team showed me the impact that ACFC has for future female athletes. As a photographer, I felt touched seeing a powerful team of women dominating on the field and it inspired me to keep striving for more representation on the field and off.

Leslie Rosales, age 19

About Me:
Leslie Rosales is a 19-year-old photographer based in South Los Angeles. She began practicing photography at sixteen when she joined Las Fotos Project, and quickly found her voice in documentary and portrait work. Rosales' Mexican heritage and her surrounding community in South L.A. deeply shape her artistic vision. With every image, she aims to highlight the authenticity, resilience, and beauty of everyday life of those in her community. Through her lens, she aims to create a window that shares the beauty and individualism that reflect the community that shaped her, celebrating its stories with honesty and heartfelt intention.

Poderosas

PROJECT REFLECTION
I’ve never experienced an L.A. team like this one. Capturing Angel City FC this fall allowed me to photograph such a talented, passionate, and uniquely-connected community. Being able to document this team and sharing the energy of the game with the fans—who truly define the spirit and heartbeat of Angel City—made this project deeply meaningful. I dedicate these images to the supporter group Las PodeRosas, whose power and unwavering presence beautifully embody the essence of this remarkable L.A. team.

Riley Sotomayor, age 20

About Me:
My name is Riley Sotomayor, I am currently a student at East Los Angeles College studying photography. I have been an artist since the seventh grade which has allowed me to be the person and artist I am today, with the understanding that time is a blessing as well as a curse which allows us to witness life and all the emotions, experiences, and growth that come with it. I hope to capture the emotion that people don't seem to see in the moment. My belief is that humans often miss the most important moments in life without even realizing it, but I want my work to capture these fantastical moments, small or big.

View My Portfolio

touching grass

PROJECT REFLECTION
Human life is an art—from the way our bodies function and their forms to the passions we choose to pursue. Photographing women who have dedicated their passion to soccer was an honor. Watching them push their bodies as they played was incredible to witness, along with seeing their fan base and dedication to the team. Refining my shooting skills during this residency was more than a dream, and I am forever filled with gratitude for this opportunity.

Starla Mendoza, age 15

About Me:
Starla is a 15-year-old photographer born and raised in Los Angeles. Influenced by an artistic family, she grew up surrounded by drawing, music, and film, which helped shape her creative eye. Photography became her way of capturing the small sparks of imagination that appear in her mind—moments of emotion, color, and quiet that she wants to preserve. Starla aims to create honest representations of everything she photographs, whether it’s a person, a place, or a fleeting feeling. With each click of the camera, she focuses on translating emotion into imagery. She adapts easily to different settings, letting each environment guide her perspective. Through her work, Starla hopes to share the beauty she notices in everyday life and the stories hidden within each moment.